US Midterm Elections Held Nov. 3 as Voters Decide Control of Congress and Trump's Agenda
Photo: The Guardian USAmericans voted on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in 2026 midterm elections that will decide control of Congress and could shape the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. Voters are choosing all 435 House seats and 35 Senate races, and governors are on the ballot in 39 states. California's proposed billionaire tax is among the high-profile ballot measures.
Democrats were optimistic about retaking the House and possibly the Senate, based on consistently favorable polls, though Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described the party's mood as "nauseously optimistic" and cautioned against counting on a win. Trump's approval rating has fallen to record lows. Voters are concerned about the cost of living, rising fuel prices and an unpopular war with Iran, and Republicans are defending narrow majorities in both chambers. Trump held 30 campaign rallies over the past month and closed with a Monday speech at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Midterms fall halfway between presidential elections and are often treated as a referendum on the sitting president. Results coverage was planned to begin Tuesday evening.
The Guardian US, on the left, leads with the idea that the vote is a reckoning for Trump. It features Schumer's quote, the cost-of-living and Iran war concerns, and harsh characterizations of Trump's rally speeches. CBS News offers a practical guide to its coverage, listing the offices at stake, a 7 p.m. ET start for its "America Decides: Election 2026" broadcast, and a long roster of anchors, correspondents and analysts from both sides of the aisle, without commentary on Trump's standing. Right-leaning outlets had not reported this story at the time of writing, while the left-leaning and alternative outlets had. Among alternative outlets, Deutsche Welle explains how midterms work and cites a University of Virginia analyst on the referendum effect. Consortium News promotes a live show from 9 p.m. to midnight EST with a panel including Jill Stein and Scott Ritter, and urges viewers to skip mainstream television.
How the sides differ Left sources stress Trump's slumping approval and Democratic hopes alongside broadcast plans; alternative sources offer explainer and panel-style coverage; right-leaning outlets had not reported the story.
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The Guardian US frames the vote as a reckoning for Trump, citing Schumer, low approval and voter worries; CBS News focuses on what is on the ballot and its live results coverage lineup.
- Consortium NewsWATCH: 2026 US ELECTION WATCH on CN LIVE!
Deutsche Welle explains what midterms are and why they matter, citing a University of Virginia analyst; Consortium News promotes its own live panel show with named guests, pitched as an alternative to mainstream television.